HopCat steps up efforts to oppose Enbridge's controversial Line 5

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- The parent company behind the successful chain of HopCat brew pubs is turning up the heat on its opposition to Enbridge's controversial Line 5.

The month, BarFly Ventures is organizing three events intended to educate people about the potential harm that could come from a spill from a pair of oil pipelines that run along the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac.

The gatherings are the latest effort by a growing consortium of Michigan businesses and nonprofits in opposition to the pipeline.

"Together, we represent considerable economic revenue and jobs throughout the state and believe that the risks involved with Line 5 are much greater than the benefits," said Autumn Sands.

She is the sustainability manager at BarFly Ventures, which also owns Grand Rapids Brewing Co. and Stella's Lounge in downtown Grand Rapids.

BarFly is distributing 37,000 #SDL5 (Shut Down Line 5) coasters to 40 bars and breweries that are members of FeelGood Tap. The nonprofit was started in 2015 by Batch Brewing Company in Detroit, as a way to create change through beer.

Each month, a different beer at the brewery would be labeled as the FeelGood beer, and $1 from each beer sold would then be donated to a local nonprofit.

In July, the "FeelGood Tap" fundraiser - which will feature Brewery Vivant's Tropical Saison - will generate donations for FLOW, short for For Love of Water. The Traverse City group has taken a leading role among Line 5 opponents.

"We are really trying to create a space for people to come together and talk about the issue, and learn what actionable steps they can take," Sands said.

BarFly is a founding member of the Great Lakes Business Network, a coalition of Great Lakes businesses working to convince Michigan legislators to decommission Line 5. The group includes well-known Michigan breweries Short's and Bell's Brewery along with Michigan businesses Cherry Republic and Higher Grounds Trading Coffee.

The controversial pipeline transports 540,000 barrels -- or about 22,680,000 gallons -- of light crude oil and natural gas liquids, including propane, per day through twin segments under the straits, where the waters of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet.

Enbridge has a broad base of support in Michigan including many business leaders who understand the vital role Line 5 plays in the state, said Ryan Duffy, company spokesman.

"At Enbridge, we're focused on continuing to deliver the energy people want and need, safely and in a manner that protects the environment," said Duffy, in a statement to MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. "We are relentless about safety, and that won't change. People in Michigan depend on the energy Line 5 provides and we are committed to continue to operate the line safely."